Walter taught me two math courses while I attended UBC. Before the first lecture I had from Walter, I was sitting in the lecture hall and looking around. I could not believe what I was seeing. I was signed up for the course but the hall was full. Most of the students knew how great a teacher he was and that is why they were there.
Walter put the Calculus book and his jacket on the table and came out to the edge and said, “Hi kids. I am Walter and I am here for you kids , to make your life better and make you successful. All you have to do is put in some work.” The first course I had was great and he was so good at teaching.
An interesting thing happened at the end of the last lecture before Christmas exams. Once the lecture was over I started to pack up my notes etc. I sat near the stage because I wore glasses and it was easier to see. I was just about to get up and leave when a student about three over from me jumped up on the stage. I have always hung around when I saw an event like this to make sure all was good.
“Oh, Mr. Gage. I just want to thank you for teaching me because I have learned so much. But after the Christmas exams I will not be back in January.”
“Why not?”
” I don’t have any more money.”
“Just a moment.”
He went to get his wallet and came over to the student. I saw him count out $200.
“Will this get you through to January?”
“Yes!”
“Great then. You come and see me in January and I will get you a student loan.”
Walter had such relationship with the engineers. He ran UBC for the development of the students and gave everyone a chance to go to UBC regardless of their marks. I had very average marks in high school and today they would not take me. But I graduated with first class marks. The engineers had a very close relationship with Walter. He was always invited to the Engineers Ball and of course he always attended.
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